Moto E: Budget brilliance

Motorola has lifted the lid on its latest Moto E Android smartphone, providing users with 4G ready technology and power at a cost of the price that many would expect on such a device.

No doubt there will be plenty of people all around the world keen to sell and recycle their existing phones to get their hands on this smart, faster and more enjoyable upgrade.

The Moto E line was launched last year to critical acclaim, with only the camera falling short of the kind of standard that is expected on smartphones.

“It lacks auto-focus, which means that objects in the foreground can appear out of focus if too close,” the Guardian reported in a review of the smartphone back in May 2014.

“The photos it captures are weak, often lacking colour and detail – not a replacement for a point-and-shoot camera like most more expensive smartphones.

“It also lacks a flash, while video capture is limited to standard definition. There is also no front-facing camera, which means selfies and video calling are out, but that is probably not a problem for the target market.”

However, the second generation version has addressed that issue and the rear five-megapixel camera is markedly better.

There is also a front-facing camera, which will no doubt go down with users who enjoy taking selfies.

“The new Moto E helps you connect to the world like never before,” Motorola said on its official blog.

“Now available with 4G LTE speed, a 4.5-inch qHD display, front-facing camera, the latest Android software (Lollipop) and even more customisation options.

“And, for the first time, we’re bringing personalised software experiences that we introduced with Moto X to our most affordable device. The new Moto E packs a bigger smartphone punch for a fraction of the average smartphone cost.”

Here are some of the new features.

The ability to connect at 4G LTE/4Gspeed

There is an increasing expectation from consumers for high-speed internet access and communication capabilities and the Moto E delivers just that, allowing users to stream music, watch movies and play games at 4G LTE speeds.

Quad-core processor that lets you do more

As a standard, this smartphone comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with a 1.2GHz quad-core CPU and advanced graphics. One of the advantages of this is that you can now do more and do it a rapidly pace.

For example, it is easier than ever before to switch between multiple apps and for there to be no diminishing effect – they still run at the same speed.

Embracing the kind of battery we all want

It’s a bold claim, but Motorola says that its 2390 mAh battery is designed to last a full day meaning that even the busiest of people who regularly access their phone do not have to worry about their battery failing at the worst possible moment. You are always connected.

Snap some brilliant pictures

As mentioned above, one of the shortcomings of the original Moto E was a camera that was simply not up to scratch, which was a shame given how good it was. The tech giant has taken onboard the criticism and designed two very effective cameras.